The Switch has helped Nintendo celebrate one of their most successful years, but it looks like 2020 is far from over for Nintendo. This year has already featured momentous releases for Nintendo’s newest console, whether it’s the introduction of entirely new intellectual properties, or the return of beloved franchises.
2020 has provided plenty for Switch users and even though there are some high profile games that are still on the horizon, there are still lots of other upcoming titles that have had quieter development cycles. Nintendo has had its biggest targets on the calendar for a long time, but here’s a look at what else the Switch has in store before 2021 comes around.
10 Bayonetta 3
Nintendo has a tendency to skew more towards family friendly titles, but accomplished developers PlatinumGames have made sure to give Nintendo plenty of ridiculous action titles that are not only mature and violent, but extremely enjoyable and unique, too. The Bayonetta titles may be PlatinumGames' crowning achievements.
News of Bayonetta 3 came a long time ago and there have been few progress updates other than Platinum's guarantee that the game is still moving along as planned. Clearly they just want to put out the best possible product and it's possible that this could still happen within 2020.
9 New Pokémon Snap
Fans have been waiting decades for a sequel to the Nintendo 64's Pokémon Snap. The photography-based spin-off to the mainline Pokémon franchise provides a calmer take to the Pokémon universe and finally audiences are getting a new title on the Nintendo Switch.
Even though New Pokémon Snap was recently announced, it's still possible it could find a release in the final quarter of 2020. The trailer that was showed for the game highlighted a bunch of environments that already look decent and it's not as if it's still in the planning stages.
8 Dragon Quest Heroes I And II
The Dragon Quest games have been a console staple for generations and while the JRPG franchise started on Nintendo consoles, it’s gradually expanded its reach in big ways. Dragon Quest Heroes sees the franchise meshing together with the Dynasty Warriors Musou genre for free-for-all battle chaos. Curiously, the Dragon Quest Heroes games were actually launch title in Japan for the Switch, but there hasn’t been movement on a Western release. Dragon Quest’s popularity has only increased and a surprise drop on the eShop wouldn’t be unprecedented.
7 The Good Life
Video games now exist in a time where being exceptionally weird can sometimes be enough. The Switch is no stranger to weird releases, but The Good Life still looks like it will be one of the console’s weirder entries. The mystery game is set in a strangely idyllic town where people can willingly turn into cats and dogs. The Good Life is also co-developed by Hidetaka Suehiro, otherwise known as Swery, the eccentric mind behind the Deadly Premonition games and D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die. The Good Life has been teased for release in 2020.
6 Yokai Watch 4++
Level-5’s Yokai Watch series may have initially been dismissed as just another Pokémon clone, but it’s proven to be much more than that and the later titles in the series were some of the more popular games on the Nintendo 3DS. Yokai Watch 4++ is an updated and improved version of the 3DS sequel that’s a very smooth transition over to the Switch. Yokai Watch 4++ is already available on the Switch in Japan and even though Yokai Watch fever has died down in America, there’s still an audience for this game that are vocal about wanting a localization.
5 Gods & Monsters
Nintendo consoles have been missing gigantic action franchises like God of War to help satisfy that itch for gamers. The Switch’s upcoming Gods & Monsters may finally be the solution to that problem. The epic action title comes from the team behind Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, only this time they tackle the subject matter of Greek mythology, albeit with an interesting spin. Players must save the Gods from a mythological monster known as Typhon. Gods & Monsters also features a gorgeous art style and it’s possible that it might just be able to make it out by the end of 2020.
4 Boyfriend Dungeon
It’s been exciting to see the ways in which video games have been willing to get more ambitious in terms of how they will blend disparate genres together into something new. The dating sim genre is especially prone to this degree of experimentation, with Boyfriend Dungeon mashing it together with dungeon crawler titles and a heavy sense of humor. Boyfriend Dungeon looks to be an especially promising indie title that has players battle their way through dungeons alongside a spunky human partner, who’s also able to transform into a weapon. It’s been advertised for a 2020 release and hopefully that plan will stay on course.
3 Eastward
Eastward is the perfect kind of indie title that has such heart and scope that it’s easy to forget that it wasn’t developed by a massive studio. Eastward is a very charming adventure title that’s set amidst an apocalypse. Eastward uses this sparse urban environment to tell a touching coming of age story with stunning gameplay. Additionally, beautiful pixel art helps Eastward’s visual design shine. A Switch port is still planned to happen for 2020 and Eastward is exactly the sort of addictive game that would benefit from a handheld option.
2 Baldo
Legend of Zelda’s Breath of the Wild set the new standard for immersive adventure titles on the Switch, but it looks like Baldo is set to become a worthy competitor. Baldo looks like a delight on every level as it features a giant, lush world and humble child protagonists who are up against a looming prophecy. The sublime art style, which draws clear inspiration from Studio Ghibli, combined with traditional RPG elements make this a clear winner. Baldo is a multi-platform release and as far as it stands its projections for a third-quarter release in 2020 are still on track.
1 Bravely Default II
Nintendo’s 3DS handheld console was the home for some exceptional RPGs that unfortunately went overlooked by those that never made the leap over to the hardware. Bravely Default is set within a fantastical kingdom where four elemental crystals hold exceptional power. The game is exceptional and the news of a Switch sequel holds even more potential. Bravely Default II is a joint effort from Team Asano, who are also responsible for the glorious Octopath Traveler, as well as Square Enix. The classical RPG still may be able to push out a release by the end of 2020.